DoD's $50M Airworthiness R&D Contract Awarded to Science Applications International Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $50,015,971 ($50.0M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-06-03
End Date: 2024-07-02
Contract Duration: 1,490 days
Daily Burn Rate: $33.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IAC MAC P1 19-1947 TECHNICAL RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AIRWORTHINESS AND CYBERSAFE DIRECTORATE, NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR)
Place of Performance
Location: CALIFORNIA, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20619
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $50.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: IAC MAC P1 19-1947 TECHNICAL RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AIRWORTHINESS AND CYBERSAFE DIRECTORATE, NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical airworthiness and cybersafe research for Naval Air Systems Command. 2. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is the sole awardee. 3. The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can be less price-efficient than fixed-price contracts. Without strong oversight, costs could exceed initial estimates.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, it is a delivery order under a larger IDIQ, which may limit the scope of competition for this specific task.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential research and development to ensure aircraft safety and cybersecurity.
Public Impact
Enhances the safety and security of naval aviation through advanced research. Supports technological advancements in airworthiness and cybersecurity for military aircraft. Potential for innovation in defense technologies that could have broader applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type.
- Sole awardee for this specific delivery order.
- Long duration of 1490 days.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical safety and cybersecurity R&D.
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports a key defense agency (NAVAIR).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) NAICS code (541715). Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee, SAIC, is a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight from the Naval Air Systems Command to ensure cost control and adherence to research objectives. Regular performance reviews and audits are critical.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Overruns Potential (CPFF)
- Limited Competition for Delivery Order
- Long Contract Duration
- Technology Obsolescence Risk
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $50.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. IAC MAC P1 19-1947 TECHNICAL RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AIRWORTHINESS AND CYBERSAFE DIRECTORATE, NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $50.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-06-03. End: 2024-07-02.
What is the projected return on investment for this R&D spending in terms of improved airworthiness and cybersecurity?
The return on investment is difficult to quantify directly as it involves long-term safety improvements and risk mitigation. However, successful research could prevent costly accidents, reduce maintenance burdens, and enhance operational readiness, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars and lives.
How will the performance of Science Applications International Corporation be monitored to ensure cost efficiency and effective research outcomes?
Performance will be monitored through regular progress reports, technical reviews, and milestone achievements. The Naval Air Systems Command will likely assign contracting officers' representatives (CORs) to oversee the work, ensuring adherence to the statement of work and managing costs within the fixed fee.
Are there any potential risks associated with the long contract duration and the CPFF structure for this critical R&D effort?
Yes, the long duration combined with CPFF presents risks of scope creep and escalating costs if not tightly managed. There's also a risk that the technology developed might become outdated before the contract concludes, requiring adaptive management and clear performance metrics.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $52,224,072
Exercised Options: $52,224,072
Current Obligation: $50,015,971
Actual Outlays: $2,523,163
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 24
Total Subaward Amount: $85,700,764
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-06-03
Current End Date: 2024-07-02
Potential End Date: 2024-07-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-02
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